Nigerian Journal of Science Vol 48 (2014): 1-13 Anatomy of Timber Species of Nigeria *A.B. KADIRI AND J.D. OLOWOKUDEJO Department of Botany, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos Nigeria *Corresponding Author E-mail:
[email protected],
[email protected] Abstract Vessels, parenchyma and ray cells of eighteen woody plant species belonging to 14 families (8 Orders) in Nigeria were studied using light microscopy. Configuration of ray cells, vessel diameter, pitting pattern of the vessels and parenchyma position in relation to the vessel pores are useful taxonomically and they can be linked to the various uses of the woods. Multiseriate ray cells were common in the Order Gentianales e.g. Alstonia congensis, (Apocynaceae) and Mitragyna ciliata (Rubiaceae). Family Fabaceae e.g. Brachystegia eurycoma and Piptadeniastrum africanum have paratracheal parenchyma, absence of cell inclusions and solitary or clustered vessels in common. Order Lamiales e.g. Family Lamiaceae: Tectona grandis and Boraginaceae: Cordia millenii have homogenous ray cells and banded paratracheal parenchyma with no inclusions. These characters may contribute to understanding the incertae sedis situation surrounding appropriate placement of Boraginaceae in an Order. Cleistopholis patens (Annonaceae) and Pycnanthus angolensis (Myristicaeae) in the Order Magnoliales have scalariform vessels and multiseriate ray cells, usually with some inclusions. Order Malpighiales e.g. Anthostema aubryanum and Mallotus oppositifolus (Euphorbiaceae) and Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) have apo- or paratracheal parenchyma and also possess inclusions in the ray cells and vessels while absence of cell inclusions distinguishes the family Malvaceae (Ceiba petandra and Triplochiton scleroxylon) from Sterculiaceae (Mansonia altissima and Pterygota macrocarpa). Multiseriate and homogenous ray cells characterized the Order Myrtales e.g.